Swedish M96 Mauser 1918 Carl Gustafs 6.5×55 Swedish 29.1″ Very Good condition

Our Grading Tier:

Excellent: 80–95% finish, solid wood with minor wear, very good to excellent bore. Non-critical hairline cracks acceptable. Arsenal repairs or spliced wood common on some models (Russian, Yugoslav or Finnish rifles). About as good as surplus gets.
Very Good: 60–80% finish, honest wear, good to very good bore. Solid serviceable condition with normal handling marks.
Good: 40–60% finish, moderate wear/repairs, fair to good bore. Functional rifle with visible service history.
Fair: Less than 40% finish, heavy wear or damage, worn bore. Project gun or parts donor.

Description:

We are pleased to offer a fine example of one of the most respected military bolt‑action rifles ever produced: a 1918‑dated Swedish M96 Mauser manufactured by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, in very good overall condition with a very good to excellent bore. This rifle is all matching in serial numbers with the exception of the bolt handle – a common and acceptable characteristic for a rifle of this age.

Historical Background
The Swedish M96 Mauser is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the Mauser 98 design in military service. Chambered in the inherently accurate 6.5×55mm cartridge, it features a butter‑smooth action, a straight bolt handle, and a 29.1‑inch barrel that delivers outstanding long‑range precision. Swedish production, beginning in the late 1890s, was held to the highest metallurgical and machining standards, and these rifles were meticulously maintained by the Swedish military for decades. The 1918 production year places this rifle in the final year of the First World War, a period when Sweden remained neutral but kept its forces fully equipped and ready. Rifles from this era often saw extended service through the interwar years and World War II, gaining both historical depth and character.

Condition & Features
This rifle is in very good condition. The metal retains strong original bluing with crisp Carl Gustafs markings and Swedish crown acceptance stamps. The bore is very good to excellent , bright with sharp, well‑defined rifling – a testament to Swedish barrel quality and careful maintenance. The action cycles smoothly, and the trigger is crisp. The walnut stock is solid, with honest handling wear consistent with its age and service, but no cracks or major damage.

Matching Numbers & Bolt Handle
The rifle is all matching on the receiver, bolt body, barrel, floorplate, barrel bands, buttplate, safety, and cocking piece , with the sole exception of the bolt handle. This is a common occurrence on rifles that saw service, as bolt handles were sometimes replaced or renumbered during arsenal maintenance. It does not detract from the rifle’s functionality or its value as a collectible example.

Accessories
The rifle comes complete with its cleaning rod, sling swivels, and bayonet lug.

Collector Appeal
For the collector of Swedish military arms, Mauser variants, or those seeking a representative example of the M96, this 1918 Carl Gustafs rifle offers a solid opportunity. Its very good condition, very good to excellent bore, and honest service‑grade provenance make it a well‑rounded and desirable example. It is equally suitable for display, research, or as a reliable and accurate shooter. This is a tangible piece of Swedish history, ready for the range or the collection.

Important Notice Regarding Military Surplus Firearms:

Historical Artifacts: These rifles are typically 50–100+ years old and have served through wars, training, and storage. They are collectible historical items, not new commercial firearms.
Honest Wear Expected: Minor dings, scratches, handling marks, and edge wear are normal and do not affect grading.
Wood Cracks: Hairline cracks in non-critical areas (e.g., forend, buttstock sides) are common in aged wood and do not downgrade a rifle unless they affect structural integrity. Any critical cracks will be noted.
Non-Matching Numbers: Many surplus rifles have non-matching bolts, magazines, or parts. This is common and does not necessarily affect function or value. Matching numbers will always be noted if present.
Bore Condition: Bore condition is graded separately (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair). A “Good” bore on a 1940s rifle is often perfectly acceptable and shootable.
Cosmoline: Rifles stored in cosmoline may require thorough cleaning before use. Cosmoline preservation is a bonus, not a guarantee of a “new” rifle.

By purchasing, you acknowledge that you are buying a historical collectible surplus firearm and accept the characteristics associated with its age and service history. Please read through the descriptions and pictures carefully for details. We photograph and describe each rifle honestly. If you have any questions about a specific listing, please contact us before purchasing.